how to make a dried orange slice garland

For the past few years, I have used dried orange slices in my Christmas decorating in various ways.  I’ve tucked them into garlands, swags, and wreaths and made them into ornaments to hang from the tree.  This year, I decided to make them into a garland to hang in my kitchen and, I love them so much, that I’m making more to hang on our tree this year.  I have used two different methods of making the garlands and I thought I would share both of them along with some tips I learned in the process of making them.

You can find a tutorial on making the dried orange slices HERE and in THIS POST, you can find details and materials for making the wreath hanging on the range hood.

The first method I used (shown above strung along the pot rail) was made with jute twine and hot glue.  The second method (shown below) is made by sewing the dried orange slices into a garland with embroidery thread.

dried orange slice garland materials

For the sewing method, you’ll need…

• Dried orange slices.  You can also use grapefruit, lemons, limes, apples, and pears
• I used Valandi Perle Cotton Thread #154 because it matched the amber color of my dried orange slices nicely, but you can use whatever you have on hand or whatever works with your aesthetic.
• Tapestry needled.  These are large, blunt needles.
• scissors

 

For the hot-glue method, you’ll need…

• Dried orange slices (or alternatives mentioned above)
• Jute twine (or you can use cotton twine, ribbon, etc.)
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• wooden popsicle stick
• scissors

dried orange slice garland video tutorial

Since it’s easier to show a tutorial in a video, here is a video tutorial showing you both methods for making the dried orange slice garland…

I haven’t tested how many years the orange slices will keep, but I have kept some for three years and they still look great.  I imagine they will deteriorate in time, but they can be used for at least a few years if they are stored properly.  I keep mine in an airtight container (someone suggested adding a couple of silica packets) in our basement where it’s cool and dry.  I wouldn’t suggest storing them in an attic where the heat might speed up the deterioration process.

I love the homemade, nostalgic feel that orange slices bring to Christmas decor.  They aren’t glittery, shiny, or flashy, but, for me, they bring a sense of history to a room.  Someone recently asked me to describe my Christmas decorating style.  I had to think for a second and then it popped into my head.  It’s sort of a Little Women feel.  Knitted mittens, crocheted snowflakes, salt dough ornaments, brown paper packages, gingerbread houses, natural greens, candles, an advent wreath, and dried fruit.  If it’s been in style for 150+ years, I’d say it’s not likely to go out of fashion anytime soon!